Coronavirus

Library services updates - ‘phase two’ about to begin

by the University Library System

At this challenging time, the University Library System remains committed to supporting study, research and teaching.

Starting from 18 May 2020, the following library services will be safely available to all university users (lecturers, researchers, PhD students, scholarship and research grant holders, students working on their dissertation): • borrowing books: users will be able to access the library’s premises only after having ordered their book online, and upon confirmation of book availability by the library. Health and safety measures must always be complied with; • returning books: this can only be done by using the self-service boxes outside; • inter-library loans service (this service allows users to request books from other national and international libraries): this service will be available subject to availability from the external libraries in question.

Moreover: • girarticolo: without needing to go to the library in person, it will be possible for users to request and receive through Universe articles or sections of books owned by the University's libraries, in compliance with copyright regulations; • giralibro: by logging into Universe, university users will be able to order a book online that is part of the collection of the University’s libraries, and collect it at a library of their choice.

We will keep you updated on any developments via our social media channels, the web pages and the social media channels of the University Library System, and through theFAQ - #lamiabibliotecadacasasection.

On 14 April the new DPCM of 10 April 2020 on 'Urgent measures to tackle the Covid-19 emergency' has come into force. The provisions contained in the new DPCM will be effective until 3 May 2020

10 April 2020

Scholarships, early payment of the second instalment

The Rector hereby announces that, in light of the economic and social consequences of the current health emergency, the payment date of the second instalment of scholarships has been brought forward to 30 April 2020, in order to ensure adequate financial support to deserving students.

The scholarship payment dates were originally set to be as follows:

on 30 June 2020 for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s students in their second year onwards;
and
on 30 September 2020 for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s students in their first year, provided they have obtained at least 20 CFU (for full-time students) or 10 CFU (for part-time students) by 10/8/2020.

2 april 2020, 10.00 AM

DPCM of 1 April 2020: emergency measures to be extended until 13 April 2020

It is hereby specified that doctors in specialist training (‘specializzandi’ in Italian) in their fourth and fifth year who are hired by the Italian National Health Service pursuant to Decree Law no. 14 of 9 March 2020, shall not lose any rights with regard to their specialisation programme, as set out in the same decree.

The Rector
Pier Francesco Nocini

27 March, 8.30 AMRepatriation flights to Italy: updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Updates from the Covid-19 Task Force of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consulted by Crui

Special flights: for the countries from which return flights are most difficult, students are advised that they should contact the relevant Italian embassy or consulate, informing them of their presence and their problems. Indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can act only when specifically instructed to do so by an Italian diplomatic representation. Students are recommended that they check the Embassy’s website (which is constantly updated) regularly and register on the website “Dove siamo nel mondo”, entering their contact details: by downloading the relevant app they will also be able to receive text messages and push notifications with real-time updates.

Return flights with a stopover in Germany: it is essential to book flights that arrive and depart from the same airport. In Germany at present it is not possible to move from one airport to another. Only in case of emergency you may contact the relevant Italian embassy or consulate, asking for assistance. The list of Italian diplomatic representations in Germany is on the MAECI website: please take note of the contact details of Italian embassies or consulates in the country where the flight stops (especially in Germany).

23 March 2020, 7.15 PMRegulations governing access to labs for PhDs, scholarship and research grant holders

As set out in the notice published on this web page last Friday, research grant holders, and all those who do not have an employment relationship with the University (e.g. PhD students, scholarship holders, students attending for dissertation work, graduates, etc.) are not allowed to access University premises and facilities.

As an exception to the above, and only if circumstances of extraordinary necessity arise, PhD students, scholarship and research grant holders may still have access to laboratories only, provided they have been previously authorised by their Academic Supervisor. As a result of the recently introduced decree, which aims to further restrict the movement of people, while recognising education and research activities among the essential activities for which suspension is not required, it is understood that it cannot be left to the Academic Supervisor alone to determine who can access the laboratories.

Therefore, a formis now available with which the Academic Supervisor, after a thorough evaluation of the research projects in progress, can request to the Rector and to the relevant Director of Department the authorisation to enable a member of their staff (PhDs, scholarship and research grant holders) to access the laboratory in question. When making a request for authorisation, it must be taken into account that, although the physical presence of certain individuals in the laboratory may be essential in order not to undermine the ongoing research project, this must be as limited as possible, both in time and extent.

The authorisation by the Director of Department and the Rector is necessary to access, also in general terms, how many people are attending the University’s facilities and, if necessary, to deny access if too many people are requesting authorisation at the same time.

23 March 2020Counselling Services for staff

In these days of emergency, the University of Verona, through the ‘Sportello di ascolto per il disagio lavorativo’ (Counselling Services for Staff) promoted by the Committee for Equal Opportunities, Employee Wellbeing and Non-Discrimination at Work - CUG, offers confidential counselling services to all Univr staff. This initiative aims to support and listen to University staff, in a context in which distress and emotional issues can be fuelled by the current uncertainty.

This service is provided for free as an additional support initiative to the existing Counselling Services provided by the University to ensure the physical and psychological health and social well-being of our staff.

Counselling sessions will be held online, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with the fundamental ethical principles of psychologists.

20 March 2020, 12 noonUniversity’s provisions pursuant to Decree Law no. 18 of 17 March 2020

- In accordance with the founding principles of Prime Ministerial Decree “#IoRestoaCasa” of 11 March 2020;

- following entry into force of Decree Law no. 18 of 17 March 2020, which in Art.87(1) states that, in the bodies of the Italian public administration, work should only be performed online under the “Smart-work” (Working from home) scheme;

and

- in light of the fact that the bodies of the Italian public administration are now required to limit the number of on-site staff, and to ensure that staff attend the office only for activities for which it is deemed necessary;

Directors and Heads of Office of Directorates/Departments/Centres and Libraries are required to determine what activities require on-site staff, and to invite as many employees as possible, of any type, to work from home until the end of the Covid-19 health emergency, or until the date that will be established by Prime Ministerial Decree on the proposal of the Minister for Public Administration.

For all those employees whose work cannot be performed online from home, and not requiring the employee in question to be present in the workplace, the Director/Head of Office should determine that they take their accrued paid leave days, or take days off using any extra hour worked. If the employee in question does not have any remaining paid leave days, the Director/Head of Office shall exempt the employee from working, pursuant to Art. 87 of Decree no.18 of 17 March 2020. The period of exemption from work will be regarded as normal work for all legal purposes, with the exception of granting meal vouchers.

As in the case of administrative and technical staff, teaching staff are also advised that they should carry out all their activities - both teaching and research - via distance learning and remotely unless strictly necessary. In any event, access to University’s facilities and laboratories is only permitted for urgent activities and for the shortest possible time, and current safety regulations must always be complied with.

Access will not be permitted for research grant holders, and for all those who do not have an employment relationship with the University (e.g. PhD students, scholarship holders, students attending for dissertation work, graduates, etc.).

As an exception to the above and only if circumstances of extraordinary necessity arise, to be determined under the responsibility of the relevant lecturer, PhD students, scholarship and research grant holders may only have access to laboratories. However, they must be provided with a specific and justified authorisation by the Director of the relevant PhD School or laboratory/unit. The authorised person will need such authorisation in order to declare in their self-certification, as required by the Prime Ministerial Decree of 9 March 2020, the existence of "proven work reasons” or “exceptional necessity”, should authorities request to provide reasons for such movements, or for the presence of the person in question on site. Failure to do so without authorisation will result in sanctions.

For those lecturers and teaching staff who absolutely need to access university facilities in order to record or stream lectures for distance learning, please remember that lectures must be held by a single lecturer in the classroom. Support from IT Helpdesk shall be provided remotely.

All curricular and extra-curricular internships, with the exception of those for trainees in the health professions, are suspended until further notice. However, students doing an internship will be allowed to work from home, similarly to what has been set out for employees working under the “Smart-work” (Working from home) scheme, provided that this has been agreed between the intern and the host organisation.

19 March 2020, 4 pm Professional Master’s programmes, advanced and professional development courses – Deadlines for the payment of tuition fees to be extended

Given the persistence of the current national emergency situation, the Rector hereby announces the adoption of an emergency Rector’s Decree in order to extend by 45 days the deadlines for the payment of the second and third instalments of tuition fees for Professional Master’s programmes, advanced and professional development courses, originally due in March, April, May, and June 2020.

Through these measures the University of Verona would like to express solidarity with the many families of our students who are currently experiencing difficulties. This decree will be submitted for approval to the relevant bodies of the University – the Academic Senate and the Board of Directors – at the first available meeting. "Being in full agreement with the Governance and the Director General of the University – declares the Rector, Prof. Pier Francesco Nocini – I feel particularly close to the members of our University community and their families, and I will do everything I can to help and support them".

16 March 2020, 5.40 pmRector’s recommendations for the safety of PhD students

In light of the seriousness of the current health emergency, the Rector has sent a note to the Directors of the PhD Schools of the University, providing specific recommendations in order to reduce the risk of infection from Covid-19 with particular regard to people attending the University’s departments and laboratories.

According to these recommendations, PhD students will have access to research facilities and laboratories only in circumstances of exceptional necessity, which must be determined by, and under the responsibility of, the Supervisor and the Director of the PhD School in question. The PhD students who are required to attend the University’s facilities and laboratories must be provided with a specific and justified authorisation by the Director of the relevant PhD School or laboratory/unit. The authorised PhD student will need such authorisation in order to declare in their self-certification, as required by the Prime Ministerial Decree of 9 March 2020, the existence of "proven work reasons”, should authorities request to provide reasons for such movements.

In addition, in the case of urgent laboratory activities that cannot be rescheduled, the safety guidelines already in place must be complied with and, at the same time, efforts must be made to complete the activities without delay, so that PhD students can return home as soon as possible and stay indoors.

The Rector

Pier Francesco Nocini

16 March 2020, 2.40 pmSpanish Erasmus+ students in Verona

Dearest students,

the daily increase in the widespread outbreak of the Coronavirus on an international scale, the need to reduce international mobility, and developments in the decisions of individual Countries as regards internal policies, all concur in changing the international scenario on an hourly basis, and inducing the relevant authorities to constantly adjust available options to address the possible repatriation of Italian Erasmus+ students who are currently abroad upon their request, as well as that of foreign Erasmus+ students in Italy.

As you might imagine, the organisation of such relocations, combined with limited airport operations and the blocking of many road connections, is quite complex and not always possible due to constant changes in the surrounding conditions. We will keep you updated on any developments concerning the possibility to operate in Spain and in other Countries, which is not as imminent as it was supposed to be.

We apologise for the many messages that you will receive, and we assure you will be updated if necessary.

As always, you can refer to your contacts at the University. Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

Pier Francesco Nocini, Rector

16 March 2020, 2.30 pmCovid-19 Task Force

The Rector Pier Francesco Nocini today signed an emergency decree to form a task force dealing with all aspects related to the Covid-19 health emergency at the University of Verona.

The Covid-19 Task Force will support the University in communications with public authorities and University staff on all aspects related to the Covid-19 health emergency, and to ensure the prompt adoption of measures to safeguard public health.

Among the first goals that the Covid-19 Task Force is committed to achieving is to provide university staff on duty with appropriate medical protective equipment.

the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, considering that flights to and from Spain have been suspended due to the COVID-19 emergency, is working to organise special flights for Spanish Erasmus students who are currently in Italy and wish to return home. Flights to Madrid will depart from Rome (Ciampino Airport).

We have been asked to immediately communicate details about those Spanish students who wish to return to Spain: please complete the form at the link below AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, and by 13 March 2020, 11 a.m.

Given the persistence of the current national health emergency, the Rector hereby announces the adoption of an emergency Rector’s decree in order to extend to 15 May 2020 the deadline for the payment of the second instalment of university tuition fees, originally due on 31 March 2020. Through these measures the University of Verona would like to express solidarity with the many families of our students who are currently experiencing difficulties. This decree will be submitted for approval to the relevant bodies of the University – the Academic Senate and the Board of Directors – at the first available meeting.

"Being in full agreement with the Governance and the Director General of the University – declares the Rector, Prof. Pier Francesco Nocini – I feel particularly close to the members of our University community and their families, and I will do everything I can to help and support them".

12 march 2020, 11.00 AM"Working form home" scheme. New guidelines

Whereas the University’s administration, by issuing the guidelines of 11 March 2020 on the adoption of the "Smart-work" (Working from home) scheme, did not intend to limit its use but to provide the Directors and Heads of Office of the University's offices and units with the "legal and regulatory bases" for the adoption of this scheme, the Director General of the University of Verona, in light of the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 11 March 2020, which amended the relevant regulatory framework (see Art. 1(10), which reads: "For all non-suspended activities it is recommended to extend the "Working from home" scheme to employees as far as possible") specifies as follows:

1- the University’s managers, Directors of Departments/Schools/Research Centres and Heads of Office of the University's offices and units (hereinafter ‘Supervisors’), are required to organise their work activities in such a way as to allow the largest number of employees to access the "Smart-work" (Working from home) scheme. Authorised employees will be able to work from home - even on a daily basis, where possible - until 25 March 2020, notwithstanding the previous provisions of the Prime Ministerial Decree of 11 March 2020;

2 - the University’s Core Services, as set out in the University’s guidelines of 10 March (Annex 1), must in any case be guaranteed by defining the essential number of staff on-site, and introducing procedures for the rotation of shifts;

3 - the employees authorised to work from home are required to provide their telephone number with an indication of the time they are available, and to answer e-mails during working hours (Annex 2 );

4 - the Supervisors are required to assign tasks that can be verified, and check that the work is carried out and that the employee is available during working hours;

5 - everyone is expected to act responsibly and united to enable our community to overcome the emergency without compromising the provision of essential services such as training, research and health care, which are among the core values of our University.

Annex 2 - Employees authorised to work from home are required to follow the steps below:

1. On the first day of work from home they must send from their own work email account the authorisation form to the Certified email address: ufficio.protocollo@pec.univr.it, and putting “Accesso straordinario al telelavoro – emergenza coronavirus” in the subject line. Please note that the form must be signed by their Supervisor. Those who have already sent this form are not required to send it again.

2. Employees must agree with their Supervisors on work tasks to be carried out from home: these must be proportionate to the period of equivalent work. For each day worked from home, employees must send a daily report of such working activities to their Supervisor, who must validate and keep it.

3. On a daily basis and for each day worked from home, employees are required to submit their work status by selecting the option “TELELAVORO” on the INAZ platform: this can be for the whole day, or for the hours worked from home. This must be promptly approved by the Supervisor, in accordance with the relevant attendance procedures.

Please note that the number of hours worked from home must match each employee's usual working hours.

10 March 2020 Rector's statement to Doctors in specialist training

Dear colleagues and doctors in specialist training,

The Prime Ministerial decree (DPCM) of 8 March 2020, to which we all adhere, specifically provides that teaching activities must be suspended for everyone – except for doctors in specialist training. Because of their role as qualified doctors, they have a professional, and even moral, obligation to provide care to those who need it.

Having said that, the Directors of Postgraduate Specialisation Schools are invited to put in place organisational measures and/or training initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of doctors in specialist training, as well as ensuring the rotation of activities within the Care Units, in agreement with the relevant Supervisors.

However, priority must be given to assessing the impact on the overall activity of Doctors in specialist training and on the healthcare service.

In any case, Doctors in specialist training must always be guaranteed adequate conditions of personal safety and hygiene, including the mandatory use of personal protective equipment.

Finally, it should be noted that Doctors in specialist training can under no circumstances replace the permanent medical staff.

Trusting - as always - in your valuable contribution, I also count on your team-working attitude to tackle and overcome this serious health emergency, which can only be done through the concerted efforts of us all.

Thank you for the great commitment you are showing to our community.

The Rector

Prof. Pier Francesco Nocini

10 March 2020 Rector's statement to the University community

Dear members of the University community,

This is for all of you, who are going through such a difficult time of health emergency.

I would like to thank you for your great sense of responsibility in complying with the various ministerial decrees and regulations that have been issued over the last few days.

I would also like to thank you for the efforts made by all of you - each for their own part - since the beginning of the emergency.

The University’s student community is responding very well to the various innovative distance learning solutions developed with competence and professionalism by our teaching staff in collaboration with our IT technicians, and, just today, we welcomed the first cohort of Medicine students to graduate online.

The technical and administrative staff displayed good judgement and great availability in reacting to this unusual and difficult situation, ensuring operational continuity and the management of the overall administrative organisation of the University.

I would also like to express special thanks and appreciation to all the members of the medical area who, with great commitment, are working around the clock to deal with this unprecedented emergency.

Your prompt and effective reaction encourages me in my daily personal commitment both as a Rector and as a doctor, and makes me proud to be part of this community.

Allow me, therefore, to wish you all the best for the future, safe in the knowledge that our community will come out more united and stronger than ever.

The Rector

Prof. Pier Francesco Nocini

10 March 2020‘Smart-work’ (Working from home) scheme for all employees of the University

The University of Verona, in light of the current Coronavirus emergency, and in accordance with Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 9 March 2020, undertakes to promote the adoption of the ‘Smart-work’ (Working from home) scheme for all employees of the University, as far as possible and ensuring the regular provision of the University's core services, in line with the measures previously taken.

Please find below the relevant operational guidelines:

1. UNIVERSITY STAFF - HOME TO WORK JOURNEYS

It should be noted that the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 9 March 2020 has not established the suspension of work activities, and that journeys for work reasons are permitted.

As a result, anyone can reach their own workplace regardless of where they live.

To this end, the Decree specifies that anyone is allowed to return to their own domicile, dwelling or residence.

Please bring your university ID card with you at all times, should the authorities ask you to provide reasons for your journey. You are also advised to print and fill out with your personal information the form (Attestato di lavoro) available on the University’s website (ANNEX 1).

2. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES, ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES, and SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC

Research activities will take place regularly at all University’s departments and units. Administrative and technical services will also be provided as usual. Access to laboratories for research activities will be permitted for teaching staff, researchers, technical and administrative staff, scholarship and research grant holders, attending graduates, PhDs, doctors in specialist training, and students attending the laboratory for dissertation work (provided that they have been previously identified).

If the number of students attending the laboratory for dissertation work is too high to allow access to the laboratory in compliance with the Decree, alternative measures shall be put in place (e.g. rotation of attending students, increased focus on teoretical aspects such as research, analysis and processing of data, etc.).

Services for the public must be provided online, or by appointment where possible, ensuring availability to all users. Directors and Heads of Unit must ensure that all security measures are in place.

Services open to the public and those dealing with the higher amount of users must comply with the hygiene measures set out in Annex 1 of the Decree, already made available to each Department and Unit.

3. WORKING FROM HOME

Administrative and technical staff are allowed to work from home as part of the “Smart work” (Working from home) scheme, provided that they are duly authorised to do so by the Director of their own Department/Unit.

Authorisation to work from home can be granted taking into account the organizational needs of each Department/Unit, even for a few days and with a rotation of employees where necessary, and ensuring the regular provision of the University's core services (ANNEX 2).

In accordance with Art. 1(e) of the Decree, employees are also encouraged to take paid leave days, in particular if they still have remaining paid leave days from the previous year.

Nevertheless, ordinary paid leave days for Healthcare and medical staff are suspended, pursuant to Art.1(p) of the same Decree.

Please note: these guidelines were agreed during today's meeting with the relevant trade union representatives (OO.SS and RSU).

On Thursday, 5 March 2020, the Minister of University and Research Gaetano Manfredi sent a note to all Italian universities to specify in more detail the provisions of the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 4 March 2020 on preventive measures to combat and reduce the spread of the infection throughout the country.

The University of Verona will implement these provisions. With regard to teaching activities, in addition to delivering lectures online via distance learning, the University will put in place special procedures to enable students to take exams and submit their dissertations. Specific guidelines on these procedures will be made available on the web page of each degree programme in the section “Notices” (or “Bacheca avvisi”) starting from Monday 9 March.

The University’s research activities shall continue, while all conferences, seminars and events that entail the concentration of people and do not allow for a safety distance of at least one metre to be respected, shall be suspended until 3 April 2020.

Activities that cannot be carried out online, such as PhD programmes, opening hours for students, enrolment procedures, and practicals/lab activities, may be carried out, provided that the preventive and hygienic measures set out in the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) are duly respected.

6 March, 1 pmUniversity’s seminars, conferences, and events open to the general public to be suspended until 3 April 2020

In accordance with Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 4 March 2020, all University’s seminars, conferences, and events open to the general public are now suspended until 3 April 2020.

5 March, 6.30 pm'Smart work' (Working from home) scheme for technical and administrative staff to be extended until 15 March

In accordance with Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of Tuesday 4 March on preventive measures put in place to reduce the risk of spread of Covid-19, the University of Verona hereby announces the extension until 15 March 2020 of the ‘Smart work’ (Working from home) scheme for technical and administrative staff in the same ways outlined in the relevant University’s guidelines of 26 February 2020. Please note that the scheme only applies to employees with children (in light of the closure or suspension of educational services and schools), or children with certified disabilities, or if they have a particular disease or medical condition certified by an occupational physician.

4 March, 7.15 PMThe Italian government has suspended all university teaching activities in Italy until Sunday 15 March

Coronavirus: the Italian government has ordered the suspension of all on-site teaching activities of the Italian universities until Sunday 15 March in order to reduce the spread of infection. In addition to providing e-learning activities (distance learning), the University of Verona will soon issue specific guidelines on the presentation of dissertations, and online exams. Starting from tomorrow (5 March), all information will be made available on the University’s online channels.

4 march, 7.00 PM State examinations for the professional qualification to practise as a doctor/surgeon: new date for the second session released

The date of the second session of the State examinations for the professional qualification to practise as a doctor/surgeon (in Italian: “Esami di Stato di abilitazione all'esercizio della professione di medico-chirurgo”), referred to in Art. 6(2) of Ministerial decree no. 422 of 16 May 2019 concerning the arrangements for this type of State examination for the year 2019, which was postponed pursuant to Order no. 143 of 24 February 2020, has been set for 7 April 2020.

We hereby inform you that the University of Verona complies with the provisions of the Prime Ministerial Decree of 1 March 2020 (published in the Official Gazette of 1 March 2020), and in particular:

Art. 2(1)(e):

"The suspension of services [...] relating to higher education, including services offered by universities and institutions of higher education, is hereby confirmed until 8 March. Specifically, the following activities will be suspended: professional and advanced courses, professional master’s programmes, courses for the health professions, and universities for the elderly. Conversely, the following activities will not be suspended:training courses for doctors in specialist training, and specific training courses in general medicine, as well as the activities of trainees in the health professions, without prejudice to the possibility of carrying out distance learning activities".

Art. 2(1)(g):

"Suspension of all public and private selections and open competitions is hereby confirmed, with the exception of those selections based on qualifications only, or carried out online, and excluding open competitions in the medical area, such as State examinations for the professional qualification to practise as a doctor/surgeon […]”

Art. 4(f):

"in Universities and Institutes for Performing Arts in which students are not allowed to take part in teaching activities due to the health emergency referred to in this decree, such activities shall be carried out online, where possible, following the methods set out by each University or Institution, with particular regard to the specific needs of students with disabilities. As soon as practicable after the normal situation has been restored, such Universities and Institutions, where deemed necessary and determining the relevant procedures, shall ensure that the training activities, as well as the curricular activities or any examinations, assessments and interim assessments that are part of the educational programme, are rescheduled and made available to students".

Art. 4(g):

“for the benefit of students who are not allowed to take part in teaching activities due to the health emergency referred to in this decree, teaching or curricular activities of Universities and Institutes for Performing Arts shall be carried out online, where possible, following the methods set out by each University or Institution, with particular regard to the specific needs of students with disabilities. Such Universities and Institutions, where deemed necessary and determining the relevant procedures, shall ensure that the training activities, as well as the curricular activities or any examinations, assessments and interim assessments that are part of the educational programme, are rescheduled and made available to students; in this context, the absences of students shall not be taken into account for the purposes of admission to final examinations, and for assessing students’ learning outcomes”.

For this purpose the University has developed internal guidelines on the rescheduling of lectures; further information will be made available on the web page of each degree programme or course in the section Notices, or “BACHECA AVVISI.”

The deadlines for the submission of graduation applications and dissertations, as well as the dates for the presentation of dissertations and graduation ceremonies, have been postponed, ensuring that graduates are able to carry out their normal activities to complete their studies.

Students who are about to graduate and have a specific and proven need to graduate, or take exams in order to graduate, before the rescheduled deadline (e.g. if they need to take part in an open competition that is about to expire), can get in touch with their Teaching and Student Services Unit to find the most appropriate solution.

Concerning the degree programmes belonging to the School of Medicine and the area of Science and Engineering, an extraordinary examination session will be established to reschedule the exams that were previously due to take place from Monday 24 February to Friday 6 March.

2 march, 2.30 PM Doctors in specialist training, practical training as a prerequisite for State examinations for the qualification to practise as a doctor/surgeon, and traineeships in the health professions

The University of Verona complies with the new DPCM – Prime Ministerial decree of 1 March 2020 which, in relation to the Veneto Region, sets out the following (Art.2(1)(e)): “The suspension of educational services for children pursuant to Art. 2 of Legislative Decree no. 65 of 13 April 2017, and any services offered by universities and institutions of higher education, is hereby confirmed until 8 March 2020. Specifically, the following activities will be suspended: professional and advanced courses, professional master’s programmes, courses for the health professions, and universities for the elderly. Conversely, the following activities will not be suspended:training courses for doctors in specialist training, and specific training courses in general medicine, as well as the activities of trainees in the health professions, without prejudice to the possibility of carrying out distance learning activities".

Starting from 3 March 2020, practical traineeships and internships will resume for students of the Single cycle/Combined Bachelor+Master’s degree programme in Medicine and Surgery in the areas of the Veneto Region, the Autonomous Province of Trento, and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.

29 February, 4 pmThe closure of universities in Veneto, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna has been confirmed

The decision was taken during today's meeting, Saturday 29 February, at 12.30 noon between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and the Ministers at the Civil Protection headquarters in Rome.

In anticipation of the new decree of the Prime Minister on the Coronavirus emergency, the University of Verona now confirms what was already announced yesterday evening, 28 February by the Rector, Pier Francesco Nocini.

Lectures will resume from Monday, 2 March, and will be delivered online via the University’s e-learning platform. Lectures that cannot be delivered online will be rescheduled. Our libraries and study halls will remain closed, while all academic and administrative activities shall continue as usual. On the web page of each degree programme students can find the updated deadlines for the submission of dissertations.

During this period, the ‘Smart work’ (Working from home) scheme will be extended to all technical and administrative staff residing or domiciled in the Regions included in the relevant provisions, provided that they have children (in light of the closure and suspension of educational services and primary and secondary schools), or children with certified disabilities, or if they have a particular disease or medical condition certified by an occupational physician.

The Rector has convened a meeting for Monday, 2 March, in which Nicoletta Zerman, Rector’s Delegate for Communications and Institutional Relations, and Federico Schena, Rector’s Delegate for Education, will inform the University’s Governance of the measures taken to avoid the negative effects of the closure on the University’s student community.

28 February 2020 Updates

Dear Student,

we are currently waiting to hear from the authorities whether the suspension of the Universities’ teaching activities will continue next week.

Our University has been in constant contact with the Ministry of Health and the President of the Veneto Region since the beginning of the emergency, in order to provide precise and timely indications, and updates on how the situation develops. We expect to resume the University’s normal activities as soon as possible. However, should the suspension for next week be confirmed, you will still be able to attend our lectures online through a specific e-learning service made available by the University to reduce the movement of people as far as possible.

Lectures will resume from Monday, 2 March, and will be delivered online via the University’s e-learning platform.

Lectures that cannot be delivered online will be rescheduled. Moreover, on the web page of each degree programme you will find the updated deadlines for the submission of dissertations. Our libraries and study halls will remain closed, while all academic and administrative activities shall continue as usual. The ‘Smart work’ (Working from home) scheme will be extended to all technical and administrative staff residing or domiciled in the Regions included in the relevant provisions, provided that they have children (in light of the closure and suspension of educational services and primary and secondary schools), or children with certified disabilities, or if they have a particular disease or medical condition certified by an occupational physician.

Being fully aware of the current difficulties in this situation, I trust that everyone will understand and cooperate.

The Rector

Pier Francesco Nocini

28 February 2020Dissertation submission – updated deadlines

Please check the webpage of your degree programme to find out the updated deadlines for the submission of your thesis/dissertation

26 February 2020Guidelines on the ‘Smart work’ (Working from home) scheme for technical and administrative staff

The University’s governance,
having regard to:
– DFP Circular no. 1/2020;
and taking into account:
– the fact that the ‘Smart work’ (Working from home) scheme has been in use at the University of Verona over the last twenty years;

pursuant to:

– Art.2 of the relevant Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM), particularly with regard to ‘Smart work’ activities, “even where no individual agreements have been signed”;

and following consultation with:

– the trade union representatives (OO.SS and RSU);
– the President of CUG (Equal Opportunities Commission);
– the Directors of Departments/Schools/Centres, and the Heads of Directorates,

Hereby issues the following guidelines for the extension of the ‘Smart work’ scheme to technical and administrative staff residing or domiciled in the regions included in the above regulations, provided that they meet one of the following requirements:

1) have children (in light of the closure or suspension of educational services and schools);

2) have children with certified disabilities;

3) have a particular disease or medical condition certified by an occupational physician.

Applicants are advised that, in order to benefit from the ‘Smart work’ scheme, they must have their own PC and an adequate internet connection. In addition, they will have to agree working methods with their Head of Office and/or Director of Department/School/Centre.

Please note that these guidelines shall apply provisionally from 2 to 6 March 2020 (inclusive) and, in any case, may be withdrawn or extended subject to developments at regional level.

THE RECTOR
Pier Francesco Nocini

25 February 2020Lectures and internships to be rescheduled - Dates of exams and dissertation submission to be postponed

Concerning the suspension as a precautionary measure of all teaching and academic activities for students from 24 to 29 February (inclusive) we hereby specify that the lectures and training internships will be rescheduled. Accordingly, the dates of exams and the deadlines for the submission of dissertations will be postponed in accordance with the guidelines issued by the national and regional authorities.

The specific arrangements for implementing the above will be announced as soon as the new measures taken at national and regional level are available.

24 February 2020Further information for PhD students, scholarship and research grant holders, doctors in specialist training, and trainees in the health professions.

In addition to the provisions of the Rector of the University of Verona, Pier Francesco Nocini, concerning the suspension, as a precautionary measure, of all academic and teaching activities for students (lectures, exams, internships, office hours, etc.) from 24 to 29 February (inclusive) in order to reduce the risk of infection from Coronavirus, it is hereby specified that PhD students, scholarship and research grant holders may, if requested by their Scientific supervisor, attend the University to carry out their research activities, similarly to what was established for teaching and administrative and technical staff, until further notice. However, Scientific supervisors are advised not to require PhD students, scholarship and research grant holders to participate in person if it is possible to conduct such activities online, or to postpone such activities, as appropriate.

With regard to doctors in specialist training and trainees in the health professions, as set out in the urgent measure n. 1 (Ordinanza contingibile e urgente n. 1) of the Ministry of Health in agreement with the President of the Veneto Region, practicals and internship activities shall not be suspended until further notice.

Please note: these provisions shall not apply to those residing in restricted areas, who are denied access to university buildings and premises.

taking into account the orders and provisions issued by the President of the Veneto Region Luca Zaia, the Mayor of Verona Federico Sboarina, and the Prefect of Verona Donato Cafagna,

orders the suspension – for precautionary purposes – of all academic and teaching activities for students (i.e. lectures, exams, internships, office hours) from 24 to 29 February inclusive, including doctoral and specialty exams, office hours for students and in general all activities involving students and/or people external to the University (conferences, events, seminars, scientific dissemination initiatives) in order to reduce the risk of infection from Coronavirus. The Rector shall also ensure that dates and deadlines in the academic calendar will be adjusted accordingly.

All activities, including lectures and exams, will be rescheduled where possible.

With regard to ‘open competitions’ (including “Esami di Stato di Medicina”), decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis by those responsible for the examinations, also on the instructions of the competent Ministry.

Also for reasons of caution, libraries and study halls will be closed from 23 February to 1 March inclusive. The entire university staff, including lecturers and administrative and technical staff, will be working as usual and remain available until further notice for all activities that do not involve reception to the public. All staff (lecturers and administrative and technical staff) residing in restricted areas will be absent justified and paid.

The Rector also orders the closure of the Baby Ateneo for precautionary purposes from 24 to 26 February inclusive, as per the Mayor’s order.

We will constantly follow the evolution of the situation, and provide you with all the necessary updates and information. In this regard, a regional toll-free number for information is now available:80046340.

THE RECTOR

Pier Francesco Nocini

Last update: 23 February at 3.25 pm.

22 February, 9:56 PM Suspension of activities

From Monday 24 to Saturday 29 February 2020 (inclusive), all teaching activities (lectures and exams) of the University of Verona will be suspended.

Moreover, starting from Sunday 23 February all University’s libraries and study halls will remain closed.